Freight traffic throughout the country is lower as compared to our neighboring country China
Low freight traffic in comparison to China
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
RAJYA SABHA
QUESTION NO 1257
ANSWERED ON 27.07.2018
Low freight traffic in comparison to China
1257 Dr. Vikas Mahatme
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state :-
(a) the reasons why the freight traffic throughout the country is lower as compared to our neighbouring country China;
(b) the measures undertaken by Railways to modernise the rolling stock, tracks and signalling system; and
(c) the specific steps being contemplated by Railways to increase the speed of freight trains for fast movement of freight traffic?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS (SHRI RAJEN GOHAIN)
(a): Freight throughput on any rail system depends upon the size of the network, location of mines, ports, industries and the level of economic activities. Indian Railways does not possess accurate data of the Chinese Railways for making objective comparisons.
(b): The measures undertaken to modernize the rolling stock, tracks and signaling are as under :
(i) Improvement in freight rolling stock design is a continuous activity where measures for improving the efficiency of transportation and higher throughput are being taken as a continuous process.
(ii) Laying of modern track structure consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails on Pre-stressed Reinforced concrete (PSC) sleepers with 1660 sleepers per km at the time of renewals, laying of longer rails, minimizing the use of Almino Thermic Welding and adoption of better welding technology for rails i.e. Flash Butt Welding, maintenance of track with the help of track machines, Ultrasonic testing of rails to detect flaws, etc.
(iii) A work for modernization of complete Signaling system on Indian Railways has been included in the works programme 2018-19 for implementation on complete 60,000 Route Kilometers (RKMs) on Broad Gauge (BG) network of Indian Railways subject to expenditure on this project to be made only after following due processes/mandatory approvals and sanctions.
(c): With a view to increasing speed of trains in Indian Railways, “Mission Raftaar” has been announced in the Railway Budget 2016-17. The mission envisages a target of doubling of average speed of freight trains in next 5 years.
Action Plan for improving mobility and increasing average speed of freight trains includes right powering of freight trains, introduction of twin-pipe in wagons, reduction in speed restrictions, construction of road over bridges (ROBs) and road under bridges (RUBs) etc.